Jag Nuro ?

**Minkness** · 01-03-16, 09:38 PM

I understand that the jaguar morph in carpets causes a nuro disorder. Is tis in all hags? Worse in some than others? How does it affect eating? Breeding? Anything I should know about it?

I ask because I looooove the jaguar morph and would like to have one some day, and I just want to know as much about it as possible.

MDT · 01-03-16, 10:34 PM

It may be none (or at least not discernible), or it can be debilitating. Anywhere on the spectrum. I have 2 DJJ with no discernible neuro symptoms. Basically, a good, reputable breeder will be able to give you the behavior pattern of the animal you are purchasing so you have a pretty good idea of what you're in for.

chairman · 01-04-16, 10:33 AM

My jag has a minor neurological issue. You know how snakes always move around with their head properly oriented on the horizon? How when they want to look at something that requires them to tilt their head or go upside down they'll retreat and reposition their body to stay upright? My jag doesn't do that. If he wants to look around, being upside down doesn't bother him. He always keeps his body properly oriented and he'll immediately flip himself upright if you try to turn him upside down.

Honestly, I'm not sure if it is an issue or an advancement. It's almost like I've got the Ender Wiggin of carpet pythons.

But other than that he's fine, eats, sheds, etc without issues. It'll be a year or two before any breeding issues are known, though.

**Minkness** · 01-04-16, 10:49 AM

What do you mean by breeding issues?

chairman · 01-04-16, 02:09 PM

It is my understanding that some snakes with neurological problems cannot coordinate things for a successful lock. But my snakes are too small to breed and won't hit the weight necessary to breed for another year or so.

Derek Roddy · 01-05-16, 08:58 AM

Before the rumor mill gets rolling to fast, a few things.......

All Jags have the trait.
It's tied to the mutation and nothing can be done about it. No amount of out crossing, etc will prevent it, stop it, slow it, or make it go away.

ALL jags will display the symptom. Even ones that "don't show visible signs" will when restrained.
It can range from "barely noticeable" to "very severe".

I have only seen a handful (out of close to 1000) that had to be put down as they couldn't right themselves or eat without assistance....most of them live a perfectly healthy and productive life.

Also of interest...it seems the symptoms can get worse with stress of handling, temps, feeding, etc

This can effect any animal (as they all have their personal quirks) but, the jags....you can physically see the onset of the stress.

Cheers,
D

chairman · 01-05-16, 08:28 PM

Did the behavior I described sound about normal compared to what you've seen? Most other reptiles with neurological issues have their behaviors fairly well documented. All my snake does is tilt his head in a manner that isn't normal for snakes (though is par for the course for many species of birds and mammals).

Derek Roddy · 01-06-16, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chairman

Did the behavior I described sound about normal compared to what you've seen? Most other reptiles with neurological issues have their behaviors fairly well documented. All my snake does is tilt his head in a manner that isn't normal for snakes (though is par for the course for many species of birds and mammals).

Yeah...for a Jag. They're just now quite right. haha. Doesn't effect them usually and they have normal healthy lives otherwise.

Unless it's very severe case...which is a small %age.

Cheers,
D

**EL Ziggy** · 01-06-16, 05:19 PM

I LOVE Jags too but the neuro issues keep me from buying one.

reptiledude987 · 01-07-16, 06:16 PM

I have a great jag that shows no signs of any neuro issues at all.